By passive remote sensing of atmospheric transmission using the Sun as a standard light source.

Why is this research important?

Atmospheric turbidity or Aerosol Optical Depth (AOD) is a crucial parameter in understanding the radiative forcing of Earth's climate and a core parameter in the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) Global Atmosphere Watch monitoring program.

Are there any trends in the data?

No trends have been established yet.

How does this program fit into the big picture?What is it's role in global climate change?

Aerosols exert a predominantly cooling effect on climate. Their optical properties in the atmospheric column are summarized by AOD.

Comments and References

Mauna Loa Observatory is a prime calibration site for WMO/GAW PFR network